Pokémon Journey:Adventures in Kalos
Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 36. Now remember when I said I'll do something different? I will. I'm gonna stray from the main Arc a bit and focus on Drake,since he's been rarely mentioned and I think you guys need to give him some love,so this will be a Drake-focused Chapter. Not part of the original anime,so this will be completely fresh and new,so who knows how long it'll be. With that have fun and enjoy.
"Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past."-Tyron Edwards.
Chapter 36: Specter of the Past
On Route 12 near Shalour City,the sun shined through the trees,the river nearby ran by peacefully while many Pokémon enjoyed each other's company. On the pathway Drake walked down with all his Pokémon. After many days be being stuck in the Shalour Gym,Drake decided to take a field day,and Gurkinn and Korrina decided that's what's best. While taking this day off Drake decided to have all his Pokémon out for the day so that they could also enjoy the view and accompany their trainer. Drake along with Charizard,Raichu,Lucario,and Vivllion were all resting at an opening deep in the forest.
"When are going to do some training master?" Lucario asked. "Again?! Lucario there's a time to train and then there's time for relaxation. Plus that's all we being doing for a week now." Drake told him. Charizard then spoke in his own language,talking to the Jackel Pokémon. "Me,teacher's pet? Alright hot head,next time we do Sudden Death training (the training exercise I had Drake and his Pokémon do on Chapter 14). We'll see who's laughing." Lucario told the Fire Lizard Pokémon. "Alright you two enough,we took a field day to finally enjoy the outdoors remember?" Drake said while lying against a tree. Vivllion then spoke up to his trainer. "You said it buddy. Just enjoy the time we have now guys...while we still can." Drake told Lucario and Charizard. Both then backed off each other and went in their own direction. Charizard decided to fly around the forest while Lucario decided to do some work out exercises.
Night came quickly and Drake and his Pokémon were hurled around a campfire having dinner. "Everyone enjoying their food?" Drake asked. The group nodded and then Raichu decided to speak up. "Yes Raichu I admitted I enjoyed today for a change." Lucario said with Raichu snickering while talking. "Hey Vivllion only won that time,because I fell asleep from Sleep Powder." Lucario said remember only of their training sessions when doing a Sudden Death match against Vivllion. He lost because he managed to inhale Sleep Powder after Vivillion performed a ruse to distract him. "And since then you learn something." Drake said "yea,that using Sleep Powder in a Sudden Death match is practically cheating." Lucario said causing everyone to laugh,Lucario included. Drake then thought back to Vivillion. During his time at the Shalour Gym,Vivllion ready stepped up to the plate,and the others considered him as part of the family. Since then he was able to do complex and quick aerial maneuvers to keep moving or dodge. His moves have grown more powerful such as his Sleep Powder having an increased range,and Vivillion felt proud to be Drake's Pokémon. Ever since that day he rescued it from Dolan,he would never be called powerless again.
"Alright,guys it's time to hit the hay." Drake said while getting his sleeping bag. "Sure as soon as Charizard puts out his night light." Lucario joked around. Charizard then spoke to Lucario and Drake was pretty sure he heard him say something that he couldn't say,causing him to laugh. With that Drake put the campfire out and they all slept on the soft grass that night.
The next morning everyone woke up ready to start the new day. "Morning guys." Drake said while yawn. Almost everyone was awake except Charizard. "Come on buddy,rise and shine." Drake said. Charizard then shrugging tried to get up with Vivillion and Raichu help. "Here this should help." Drake said while giving him a Tomato Berry to him. Charizard took and ate ate it like a champ,even though it's supposed to be hot and spicy,him being a fire type he really didn't mind.
After breakfast,Drake decided he and his Pokémon go on a morning run. "Great what happens to the winner?" Lucario asked. "Since when did you start making things a contest?" Drake said. "Since now." Lucario said. "I'll leave this between you guys,whoever wants to be involved." Drake said. Luckily only Lucario and Charizard agreed to this. "So what's the bet?" Drake asked. "Winner gets bragging rights." Lucario said. "Ah,from last nights little debacle." Drake said. Both nodded and got ready. "Alright...GO!" Drake said and everyone started run or flying depending on who they are. Lucario and Charizard were tied for first trying to outdo each other while Drake,Raichu,and Vivillion worked at a great pace.
"Rai,Rai!" Raichu told his trainer. "I know,but you know how they are." Drake said. They continue to trek through the forest with both Pokémon still in the lead until they finally see the clearing. "Ha,I'm gonna make it first!" Lucario vowed as he and Charizard were still on neck and neck. By the time they reach the clearing Drake and others saw Lucario and Charizard lying on the ground trying to catch her breath. "Hey guys. Who made it?" He asked. "I did." Lucario said,causing Charizard to disagree. "Alright,alright. It's a draw ok?" Drake broke them up. Causing them to slip and agree.
All the sudden an explosion was heard from afar. "What was that?" Drake and the others then started running to sight where they saw smoke coming from. They ran to a chiff edge overlooking a much larger opening then they were the night before. "What is this?" Lucario asked. The gang saw on the field were stage lights,cameras,trailers. "it's a movie set Lucario." Drake told him. All the sudden another explosion happened right in the center. There they saw a figure in a black-dark blue robe who came out of the smoke with some sort of dark silver Staff in her hand much like Drake excluded the energy generators that Drake has on his. All the sudden a Shadow Ball comes out of the smoke trying to hit the figure. "I think we should get down there." Drake said then jumped down along with the team.
They took cover to hide from people right by the one of the trailer. They then saw another Shadow Ball fired towards the figure. When the smoke disappeared Drake saw a familiar face.
"Diantha?" Drake and the team saw the Kalos Champion along with her Gardevoir trying to fight the cloaked figure. He also her assistant and crew on the side looking at the battle. "You all shouldn't be here. Leave now!" Drake heard the figure speak. All the sudden it spun its staff until one end started glow and then it did a sharp swipe that created an energy blue arc cut (somehow similar to VI generation Psycho Cut,but much larger.) out of the Staff and manage to hit Gardevoir,sending her back.
"I don't think this is part of the movie." Said Drake. "What's the play Master?" Lucario asked. "Watch over everyone. Leave the attacker to me." Drake told them then acted.
"Gardevoir!" Diantha ran to her partner's aid. "I told you all. Leave this place." Said the figure. Next thing Diantha saw was some sort of blue energy ball hit the attacker's side. Diantha then looked to her side and too saw a familiar face.
"Drake!" She said as he went to her side. "I was in the neighborhood. Are you alright?" He asked. "I'm fine,but our situation seem dire." Diantha said. "What happened?" Drake asked. "I really don't know. We were shooting a scene and all the sudden that thing just attacked us. One of our is people is now hurt." Diantha said while pointing to the crew,among them was a male worker clutching his chest in pain. "Drake,what's going on?" She asked.
"Another Guardian." They turn around to see the figure up and ready to fight. "I'll let you know once I find out." Drake told Diantha then walked towards the figure. "I'm surprised." It told him. "Who are you?" Drake asked. "Question is. Who are you." She replied. "I asked first. Why are you attacking these people?" Drake asked. "They can't be here." She only said. "Why can't they." Drake asked,while walking closer to the figure. "Something will happen and they refuse to heed my warning." It said. "It's no excuse to attack them. You hurt a man,and you have to answer for that." Drake said.
"If it's a battle you seek. Then you have found it." It said while getting into a battle pose. "I fought a Rouge like you before." Drake said while taking out his Staff. "I'm no Rouge." It said then all the sudden charged at Drake with its Staff in hand. It then tried to hit his head with it,but Drake was able to easily block while trying a high kick to the head,but it grabbed it with its free hand. Both then disengage and Drake twisted his Staff into two small Kali sticks. Both welded their weapons to the highest peak trying to overpower the other. Eventually one block gave Drake an opening and he fired an Aura Sphere close range,sending his opponent back.
It quickly recovered to charge Aura to its staff and launch an blue aura cut,the same attack that hit Diantha's Gardevoir. Drake ran forward and did a sliding dodge,bending his body in half so the the attack just flew past him. Unfortunately the attacker was on the move and jumped high and by the angle was about to land on was right on top of Drake. And land on him it did,with its weapons drawn out.
"Yield" it said. "Never." Drake managed to fire a close range Aura Sphere aimed at her torso. The attack then sent the attacker flying. "That's for letting your guard down." Drake said. Eventually the attacker recovered but appeared looking a bit dazed from the Aura Sphere,a perfect opportunity to try something new. Drake then got up with his Kali sticks in hand and performed one swift blow to the attackers left knee sliding past him,leaving it to only to kneel on the other knee. He then performed another blow to the upper back from further effect. Then using the knee his opponent was using to steady itself used it as a boost to perform a knee kick to the chin while gaining some air. Finally in the air using both Kali sticks he swung them both down in a half-circular motion like a hammer to a nail on to the back of it's head,knocking it out for good. (The idea came from one of Batman's special combo takedowns from Arkham Knight,to those who played it. The one where he knocks an opponent to where he's kneeling then host himself high by jumping off him then crashes down on him. That one)
Despite that move's powerful effect,the attacker still got up,but Drake knew this was long over since the attacker could barely stand. "Yield!" He told it as he held both stick,sparking with electricity at the attacker's neck. "Ok,you win." It said raspy. "Who are you." Drake asked for the last time. It was then the attacker stood up and lowered the hood of its head.
Drake saw was nothing more a woman around Diantha's age. Brown hair that was abit messy and in a braid,blue eyes. She then took off the dirty cloak which then dropped on the floor. Drake then saw she almost had the appearance of an adventurer. She worn a black leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up to her forearms,a white button shirt not done all the way to where you could see she worn a purple undershirt,silver tight jeans followed by black high boots. She also worn a gold square locket around her neck.
"Uhh Drake? Who is this?" Diantha approached and asked. "I don't know. What's your name?" Drake asked. "You know,I never expected to finally meet someone like me." She said. "Your name." Drake insisted.
"Rene." She turned her back on them. "Rene..ok. Why are you here?" Drake asked. "This area happens to be a well known area for Pokémon. Plus the Aura around here is highly focused." Rene said. Drake then thought about it. Since the run he knew what was going through him felt like a thunderbolt that was energizing him. He then turned back to Diantha. "Huh,no wonder why I felt a great shift here." He said. "What do you mean by that?" Diantha asked. "I'm surprised you just started to figure it out. My guess is...you're not from around here are you?" Rene asked. "And how do you know that?" Drake asked. "Simple,your fighting style,Perseverance Form?,not really well known here in Kalos,plus you talk with a Kantoen accent,so I assume you're from there." Rene explained. Drake just stood silent as he was surprised she was exactly right.
"I'll take your silence as a yes." Rene said. "Whatever,It still doesn't explain why you attacked these people." Drake said. "Don't look at me,her Gardevoir started it." Rene said. "It's true,when Gardevoir saw her in her cloak she thought she was an intruder." Diantha explained. "Diantha,you said she's started it." Drake said remembering their conversation from earlier. "I'm sorry,I overreact when Gardevoir was hurt." Diantha said. "Okay...look what are you doing here Rene." Drake turned to the other woman. "It just so happens that the yearly Digglet migration is happening now,but the migration is huge enough that while burrowing underground can causing tremors,even sinkholes." Rene explained. "And it just so happens that this area is on the path." She continued.
"Ok,so how long have we got?" Drake asked. "I tracked them just over 150 miles west,plus with overnight rest. I'd say around tomorrow night." Rene said. "Ok,Diantha how much longer till you guys finish shooting here." Drake asked. "By later this afternoon. We'll have plenty of time to finish and move out." She said. "Alright,I'll leave you to your work ok?" Drake reassured. Diantha nodded and then left to inform the crew.
"Is there some...thing going on between you two?" Rene asked. "That's none of your business." Drake said. "Oh so you're drawn to her huh." Rene countered.
"..."
"I'll also take that silence as a-" "First of all,shut up,because you don't know what you're talking about." Drake interrupted her. Rene then stood silent as to not continue to poke around anymore. "I don't suppose you have anything to pass the time." Rene asked. "Aside from being with my Pokémon. There's nothing else." Drake said. "Well...it's been...well never that I had another Guardian as a sparring partner." Rene said. "I don't even know if you're a Guardian period." Drake said.
"Here you go." Rene lift up her left sleeve to show her Mark that's similar to Drake's. Drake followed suit and showed her his as he knew she would ask the same question. "There that prove who we are." Rene said. "Ok,and you don't don't have any Pokémon?" Drake asked. Then heard a cry from above. "Speaking of which." Rene said. The Pokémon landed down with one with blue skin and that resembles a cloud of fluff. And the other who riding it was practically something new to Drake. Humanoid,yellow body with red fur on the lower half and in her ears. Drake then decided to scan both of them,starting with the flying type.
"Altaria,the Humming Pokémon,On sunny days,it flies freely through the sky and blends into the clouds. It sings in a beautiful soprano.
"Delphox,the Fox Pokémon and the final evolve form of Fennekin. Using Psychic power. It generates a fiery vortex of 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit,incinerating foes swept into this whirl of flame.
"Wow incredible." Drake said. "You seem interested." Rene said. "Nah,I have a friend who was has a Fennekin herself. She'll love to see this." Drake said. "Yep,Altaria's name is Arrow,and Delphox's named Del." Rene named her Pokémon. "Not bad,so you only have these two?" Drake asked. "Yep,they've been my partners since my youngest days as a trainer." Rene said. At that moment Drake's Pokémon came over and introduced themselves. "You're not at all that I pictured." Lucario told Rene. "That's Lucario." Drake told her,feeling sheepishly humiliated. "Wow,a Lucario of a rare color and knows telepathy. You got yourself a great brother in arms." Rene said while examining Lucario
"Thanks." Lucario said. "Uh Lucario I think she's was talking to me." Drake pointed out. Meanwhile the others then made themselves known to Rene and her partners. "You have an awesome team here uhh...Drake? I believe." Rene said. "Oh right...Drake Ketchum's the name." Drake properly introduced himself. "Wait the Drake Ketchum?!" Rene started to shout. "Right,let's do that sparring match now." Drake felt uncomfortable,knowing what might come next then started walking with Rene following while asking questions. "You're the Kanto Champion,and that same person who fought a giant robot at Lumiose City a month ago." Rene spoke quickly while Drake continued to shrugged off the responses.
After uncomfortably answering all of Rene questions,both she and Drake decided to spar for awhile,both weapons and fist. After ten minutes,both took a breather. "By the way,what was that energy wave you did on me and Gardevoir earlier." Drake asked. "That's" Rene then demonstrated the move once again on a tree,which sliced it in half. "It's call the Aura Wave,or what's fully called the Aura Wave Cut. An ancient Kalosan attack for Aura Guardians here." Rene said. "Really,that's awesome." Drake said. "You want to learn it do you?" Rene saw the desperation in his eyes. "Can you teach me?" Drake asked. "Sure...on one condition." Rene smirked. Drake now felt shrunk down half his size. Who knows what Rene would demand him to do. "You teach me that technique you used to take me down." Rene said,recalling their battle from earlier. Drake mentality sighed in relief.
"That's it?" Drake asked. "Yep,that way we both learned something by the end of the day." Rene said. "Ok well first of all,it's a self thought out maneuver I made myself to overwhelm and finish off an opponent. I call it the Aerial Assault." Drake said. "Fitting name. I'm looking forward to this." Said Rene.
"So am I."
"Alright well first,you're gonna need your weapon." Rene told him. Drake then followed suit with his Staff in hand. "Alright for it to work. It's works like an Overlimit,so you have to get your energy going first." Rene said then attacked him all the sudden. Drake was fast enough to dodge it and continued to block her other attacks. "Good,good,your adrenaline can also give you a boost as well. Now that you're up and running,channel your aura through your hands and into the weapon. To keep your energy going keep doing tricks with your weapon." Rene said while Drake continued to twirl his Staff around him like a master. "This is gonna be a feel thing,so trust your instincts and stretch out your feelings. When you're ready unleash the beast." Drake obeyed and his eyes then glowed blue with the top of his Staff starting to glow as well. In the heat of the moment Drake did a diangle sharp swing that unleash an Aura Wave that didn't just slice the one tree but the other two right behind it. "Wow...that was better then I expected,and on your first try too." Rene said. "I'm a quick study." Drake told her.
"Alright to do this will involve most of your speed,agility and accurately. Now can your bo break into two?" Drake asked. "No,but I can do so." Rene asked. "It's alright,for now you can use mine." Drake then gave her his two Kali sticks. "Wow,they're lighter than mine." Rene said surprisedly. "They're custom made. Now the trickery will be the first strike to give. As you see the dummy I made for this exercise." Drake then points to a wooden made figure just standing. "Alright you would want to go for the non-dominate leg,so be sure which is which."
"Gotcha." Rene said. "Alright the first first strike should just below the kneecap,that way your opponent would have to steady themselves with just the other leg,giving you an opening. The second strike should be on the upper part of the back,but get the force right. Too soft,you loss your opening,too hard and you crippled them. And finally the last strike is from above,you use the knee they're steadily themselves with to gain some air. If you could,do a knee kick to the chin for further damage. As soon as you're coming down towards them,use both sticks with a Hammer Down technique to the back of the head,knocking them face first into the ground." Drake said. "Like so." Drake then grabbed back his weapon and performed the maneuver flawlessly,with the dummy's head dug into the floor.
"Okay I got this." Rene then rushed in and got the first strike correct,but overdid the second one,causing the dummy to fall entirely. "Damn." She cursed. "It's okay,patience is other thing to have while doing this." Drake said. "Try again." Rene did so and manage to get the first two parts right,now came the finale. She couldn't angle herself to perform a knee kick and instead skipped to high part and managed to to perform the Hammer Down technique perfectly.
"Well done." Drake applauded. "True but I wasn't able to go for the knee kick before I jumped." Rene said. "Hey progress not perfection." Drake tried to put her mind at ease. "Wise words." Rene said. "Some fantasy my old Master kept telling me." Drake said. Remembering one of Sara's teachings. "You mind if I practicing?" Rene asked. Drake nodded and decided to step aside. Then he saw something twinkle on the grass and went over to pick it up. He noticed that it was the square locket that Rene wore around her neck. It must've fallen off while she was training. Drake then opened it to see a picture inside,on it was appears to be a younger Rene,and another girl abit younger then her. Drake took a closer look and realized such a horror.
"No...no,no,no." He then looked at Rene then back at the picture. "It can't be...It can't be." Drake kept repeating to himself. Rene then looks back at Drake to see him holding her locket. "My locket." She walked over. "Yea,I think It fell while you were practicing. Who's the little girl next to you." Drake said,hoping this was a complete lie,but knew in the end who it was.
"That's me when I was twelve and that's my little sister...Mara."
With the fear now a reality. Drake felt like twenty Wailords dropped right on top of him. His mind then drew back to that day at Abyssal Ruins,to Mara's last moments to be exact. He never felt so much fear before. Even today he still felt responsible for Mara's death. And now,her older sister standing right in front of him. "Yea,she went on her journey after I was gone,but it's been months since I seen her. I really hope to find her again." Rene told him. Drake then sunk even lower. Rene wanted to find Mara. Problem with that is...she'll never find her,and Drake knew and feared that he'll have to tell her about what happened.
"Drake? Drake are you alright?" Drake then snapped back into reality and looked to Rene. "Y-yea I'm fine." He said. "You seem kinda spooked there." Rene said. "I'll be ok. Look I'm gonna check to see what Diantha and the crew are up to." Drake said then ran off,leaving Rene confused.
That night all the shooting of Diantha's film was done and planned to leave early in the morning. While Drake set up camp along with his Pokémon to sleep for the night while Rene slept in some other part,waiting for tomorrow. All the sudden not a moment later the ground began to shake violently causing everyone in the area to wake up.
Drake and his then went over to Rene's campsite. "What's happening." He asked. "I don't know,but I'm pretty this isn't natural." Rene said. All the sudden it stopped,and Diantha's assistant came over to them. "You guys,something terrible has happened." Kathi told them,then lead them over to the trailers. There they saw a big sinkhole in the middle. "Rene I thought you said the Digglet migration doesn't happen until tomorrow night." Drake said. "It did,I don't understand why they started to move so early.
Another part of the forest
"Grrr! I can't after all that you couldn't catch a single Digglet!" Said a very angry Jessie. "Don't blame me. Blame Meowth for not fixing the net gun properly." Said James. "Hey,you guys are the ones responsible for giving me the proper tools." Said Meowth. Each then spent the night blaming each other.
"Whatever happen caused them to move so soon?" Rene concluded. "Guys we have bigger problems. This sinkhole that is here now is where Diantha's trailer was parked." Kathi told them. "Wait you mean?!" Drake didn't finish that thought. "Diantha is now trapped down there." Kathi said. "That's a big situation,down there the network is unstable and plus its huge so you could get lost down there." Rene said.
"We have no choice. I'll go down and get her back." Drake said. "You mean we." Rene insisted. "No,you said it yourself. We can't take the risk of all of us getting trapped or lost down there." Drake said then went to the edge of the hole. "*sigh* fine I really hope you know what you're doing." Rene gave in. "Look if don't make it back with Diantha in the morning,then feel free to go next. Then you could tell me I told you so." Drake said. "Alright,Charizard,Lucario I'll need you guys with me. The rest of you help out Kathi and Rene. Drake picked both since they could easily navigate through the tunnels and plus Charizard was the ride back out.
"Alright I'm going." Drake said while he mounted on Charizard with Lucario in tow. "If you're actually serious about me coming after you. You only got three hours until sunrise." Rene said. "I'm on it." Drake then nudge Charizard and they flew down into the pit.
"Man how big is this sinkhole?!" Drake said they felt they've been flying forever,and time wasn't really on their side. Finally they reached the bottom of the hole to finally land on solid ground. "Finally" Drake looked up to see that the way back to the top,by how small the entrance was they got to be at least 120ft underground. "Master,take a look." Lucario then showed what appears to be huge drag marks. "These are probably from the trailer. Charizard then grunted in response. "You're right Charizard,what are the chances of the Digglet taking the trailer down there.?!" Drake said sarcastically,now knowing this job just got a lot harder.
"Alright Charizard,every five feet make a scorch mark on the wall,that way we know how to get back. Charizard nodded and made a big scorch mark at the entrance. While it was stil dark in tunnels,Charizard's flame brought abit of light,and Lucario's helping Drake with Aura tracking to pick up signatures should ease their worries abit.
After careful navigating and a scorch mark every five feet they came to a large area,and where they saw was the trailer that the Digglet carried away. Right away Drake noticed the extensive damage on it due to the impact and probably the ride over that windows were smashed,metal was dented even broken. All this only made Drake fear for his friend's safety. He went and opened the door only for it to come off the hinges.
"Diantha!" He looked around to see all the stuff,wardrobe,mirrors,and other props scattered and destroyed. He then finally found her. She was in bad shape. Clothes were torn,her face had cuts and blood all over,the same could be said about her body as there were cuts and scrapes as well. "Dinah. Are you alright." Drake said. "Dinah?...you haven't...call me that in a long time." Said a very weak Diantha,but remembered the nickname Drake gave her when they were traveling together. "Try not move." Drake then tried to examine her. To his surprise nothing was seriously injured which gave him relief. "Gladly,but Drake...I think my collarbone is broken." Diantha told him. Drake then felt her shoulders for any sort of fracture that when she felt pain coming from her her left shoulder.
"Sorry." He apologized. "It's ok." She said while Drake helped her stand up. "At least I could still walk." She continued. "You know I could carried you back." Drake offered,but also took as humor. "Always the most noble one...I'll be okay." Diantha said. "Here sit down and let me treat your fracture." Drake said while helping her take a seat on one of the chairs. "You could do that?" She asked. "I know a healing trick or two. It's not much,but it'll help." Drake said,remembering one thing he learned from his old friend Lexi about healing back in Rylo.
He touched the broken bone much to Diantha's dismay,and his hand began to glow. "Alright this'll take some time to do." Drake said. "Ok,so in the time...let's have that talk." Diantha said. Drake then ponder about what she meant and realized about that discussion they promised to have back in Brackish Town. "You mean the question you been wondering." Drake said. "Yes...what in Arceus happened to you?" Diantha asked.
Drake then decided to come clean about all the years he's been through. He told her about how he lost Hitmonchan,him going off the grid,him being terrible at his job as Champion at first,his accident with Team Galactic,everything that happened to him in Rylo,which Diantha thought it sounded like a film(but Drake neglected to tell her about the relationship between him and Sara had in the end.) He also told her about his time in Sinnoh and Unova while using his gift to help others. Lastly he finally told her about finally stopping his long time nemesis,but at the cost of a friend's life.
Diantha could only process slowly as she then wondered how? How much has Drake put so much blood,sweat,and tears over the last ten years. "I should have been with you." She said. "No,no no...forgive me for sounding blunt,but...I was glad you were gone." Drake said. "Why?! No one should never ever go through that!" Diantha raised her voice. "Exactly..you,you Diantha should ever go through that. Not along with me." Drake told her. "I could've help...I could've supported. I could've""No,trust me...my journey was just as rough as it could get. It was never easy." Drake said. "You make it sound you never grieve. Only bear." Diantha said. "Dinah..believe me. I...I just can't. I couldn't save them." Drake referred to the people he'd lost. "I get people hurt,even killed. That's just me." He continued while letting out a few tears. "It doesn't matter. That's the least of my problems now." Drake continued.
"Why's that." Diantha asked. "Because,my friend Mara,the one who gave her life in Unova...I found out she's Rene's younger sister." He confessed. "And that she's looking for her." He continued. Diantha then stood silent while listening. "I.I don't even know...how am I gonna tell her." Drake said,still choking on a few tears. "I'll come with you." Diantha said. "No,I think this is something I hav-""no,I wasn't there for you for ten years worth of pain. The least I could do...is be here for you now." She said. "You're really not gonna give me a choice are you?" Drake asked. Diantha nodded.
"I think you're body nearly healed,but I'd be check by a doctor still." Drake said. "At least I stopped bleeding." Diantha pointed out. "Is there anything you can't do." Diantha joked around. But Drake was still in a serious mood. "Everything...expect forgive and forget." He told her. "If you're ready,we should get going. It's almost sunrise." Drake said while helping her out of the trailer. There,the two humans and Pokémon then followed the scorch marks back to the entrance.
They finally made it back to the entrance which their exit is 120 ft above. "Alright,Lucario get in your Pokéball. We'll need the room." Lucario nodded and Drake returned him back to his Pokéball. Drake then helped Diantha get on Charizard with Drake sitting behind her while helping her hold on. "Okay Charizard nice and easy." The Flame Pokémon nodded,and begun to take off.
"Where are they." Kathi said. "Don't worry,I'm sure they'll be back soon." Rene said. "Beside look." They both turn to see the sun beginning to rise. "I'll mount up and search for them ok?" Rene said until they suddenly hear a loud roar. Out the hole was Charizard and two human beings who now begin their descent. "Diantha are you alright?!" Kathi said as she along with a few members of the crew hurried over. Rene went along as well. Drake got off first and then helped Diantha get off,while then giving her a shoulder to lean on. "She's got a broken collarbone,and a few cuts and scrapes." Drake said. "Right you,get a doctor over here now!" Kathi ordered a member,who then nodded and ran off. "Kathi,I'm ok." Diantha trying to put her assistant at ease. "With all due respect madam. You don't look ok." Kathi said
"Is the equipment loaded." Diantha asked. "Yes they're just finished loading the trucks now." Kathi said. "Ok,have the trucks head back to the studio,the helicopter could take me to my personal resistance. Have the doctor meet me there as well." Diantha said. "Are you sure. I mean we could just go to a""Please Kathi,do it. Call me when you get the helicopter ready." Diantha insisted. Kathi Lee nodded and went off as ordered.
"So not bad Guardian." Rene told Drake. "Yea,to be honest it was abit easier then I thought." Said Drake. "So...I guess with that. I'll be on my way,and I'll see you down the road." Rene said. Drake then looked back to see Diantha right by him,and he knew what he was about to do,would destroy him entirely.
"Rene wait." Drake ran to her. "What is it?" Drake was still hesitant but decided to man up. "There's something I need to tell you...and you're not gonna like it one bit." He said. "Whatever it is. I'm sure I can handle it." Rene said. "Look...your sister Mara...I met her about a year ago." Drake said. "Really?! That's great. Where was she?!" Rene got excited. "In Unova." Drake replied. "Great,guess I'll head to Unova to go find her." Rene said. "No Rene...you're not gonna find her." Drake's voice began to croak. "Wai-what do you mean?" Rene's expression changed entirely.
"You're...you're not gonna find her." Drake said. "Well wha-what happen to her?!" Rene asked. Drake only stood silent,and eventually tears began to form in his eyes. Judging by his current Rene was starting to form a picture,and it wasn't a pretty one.
"No...,no,no,no You're lying!" Rene started to go hysterical. "I..I wish I was." Drake said. "You're lying!" Rene then started to cry outloud.
"Rene...I'm sorry." Drake said. This sudden news caused Rene to collapse on her knees sobbing out loud. It's impossible,no way her sister was dead. It can't be. Drake then embraced her while she still continue to cry on his shoulder. "How...why?" She asked. "I still don't even know today." Drake continued to cry with her.
"You're gonna tell me everything,now." Rene demanded,now with a very serious look on her face. "Alright...but please...listen...because everything I tell you will be 100% the truth." Drake said. "TELL ME!" Rene asked. "When my brother and I were traveling in Unova,there was a group of bad people called Team Plasma operating there. Mara was working with them." Drake started out. "No,no. My sister would never work for bad people." Rene interrupted. "Please...we didn't know who she was until months laters. alright we ran into her a couple of times on our journey. She attacked us for getting in the way of Team Plasma's plans,but we would still prevail...by the time of last year's Ventress Compilation ended Team Plasma appeared with a full strike force. They attack the Trainer's Village while unloading troops. We knew we were vastly outnumbered a thousand to one,but...in the end myself,my brother,and two other champions lead a small army of competitors,vendors,and others against them."
"So you guys went to war." Rene concluded
"Yes,while the battle took place. Mara managed to get me alone,and there,we battled. It was then...I looked at her face for the first time. She was no older then my younger brother. She told...she was confused,alone,scared since her Aura manifested." Drake said with tears in his eyes. Rene on the other hand was still crying herself. "She said Team Plasma promised her they would help her find her purpose,but I knew they were just using her. We were still fighting while destruction happened around us. I managed to restrain her...only to asked was all this worth it?
"I vowed that I'd help her. To find her purpose,her goal,and to teach her what I knew. She came to her senses...and we agree on those terms. By the time we won and Team Plasma was defeated. I went to find her,instead I only found a note saying...she's wished to find closure on her own,but one day...she's accepted my offer." Drake said. "That still doesn't explain why she's dead." Rene pointed out.
"A few weeks later we ran into Mara in Undella Town. But also there was someone...someone I absolutely hated." Drake shivered that last part. "His name was Giovanni,and he was the leader of Team Rocket,an organization similar to Team Plasma,but operating in my home. He lead an operation to control the Three Forces of Nature,using an ancient ruins that was sunk under the bay and another Mythical Pokémon. He managed to raise the ruins to the surface,but he somehow lost control of himself,and he was bringing with him the world's destruction. I tried to stop him,but...he was too powerful. But by then my brother managed to free the Mythical Pokémon out of its confinement which caused an explosion. When I came to,the ruins were shaking violently,and so were the Three Forces of Nature."
"I knew I needed to get on the platform where Giovanni was controlling the ruins to sink it back into the bay. But what I didn't know...was that by the time the ruins started sinking the operator would be bound to them and wouldn't be able to escape. Mara knew that and she knocked me out and toss me off the platform. I told her...I beg her to get off,but...she wouldn't do it. Her last moments were...she finally found her purpose. Then the ruins themselves sunk back into the bay under a glowing light...and just like that...Mara was gone." Drake said with tear falling down his cheeks.
"And Giovanni?"
"He...he was about to get away...until I intervened. I beat him,and I beat him,and beat him...This man I've been trying to stop for six years. Even before I was born...my father was trying to stop him for twelve. I seen lives destroyed,people and Pokémon that were hurt,even killed...under my watch...MY WATCH!" Drake exploded. "And he only laughed...Mara's death was the last straw...I blame myself for it all,especially what happened to Mara."
"You were gonna kill him." Rene said.
"Keyword being 'were' he was at an inch of his pathetic,miserable life,and I was going to end it once and for all...until a friend of mine stopped me. He convinced me...to let him rot away in a cell. I knew...knew that this was something that will haunt me for the rest of my life...so I let him go,and the G-men took him away." Drake finished finally.
"You...you should've finished the job." Rene said. "I couldn't Rene...I'm not a killer." Drake said. "HE KILLED MARA!" Rene said. "He took a lot of lives Rene. He even responsible for breaking my family too,but...how would his death benefit for myself,or even lives he destroyed...how would that honor Mara's memory?" Drake asked. Rene then thought about it...and knew and hated that he was right. "He will never get out?" She asked. "Never,but if he does...I will 'legally' put him in the ground." Drake said. Right away Rene knew Drake was talking about the ACE protocol. "If that happens...you call me...so that I can see the bastard's life...leave his eyes." Rene demanded. Drake nodded and shook hands on that deal.
"Mara was a good friend Rene. She died a hero." Drake said. "I don't even know...how to tell my parents." Rene said. "Here perhaps this can help." Drake then reached into his bag and gave her what appears to be a glowing orchid.
Flashback
"What is that" Diantha asked "a very special flower. I had a friend in Rota send me a couple of this things back home." Said Drake "what are you doing?" Diantha asked while they were still in the trailer underground. "If Rene believes or doesn't believe me. A little visual confrontation would help anyone." Drake said while he focused his Aura into the orchid.
"Why are you giving me a Time Flower?" Rene asked. "On it contains all my memories involving Mara from A to B. I figured a little visual confrontation couldn't hurt." Drake said. All the sudden Rene hugged him. "Thank you." Rene said. "You don't need to thank me." Drake said.
Drake waved goodbye as Rene,who mounted on Arrow,then flew off into the horizon. "How was it." Diantha walked over. "Somehow..a bit better then I thought. I thought she was gonna beat me silly." Drake said. "Are you okay." She asked.
"...no...no I'm not." Drake said with his head hung low. "I thought my nightmare would be over when I put him in jail,but...I now see it always loom over me." Drake said. "You want to know what I think?" Diantha asked. Drake then looks back at her. "Learn to let go...that way you'll be able to move forward." Diantha asked. "Dinah...I don't take the lives I saved lightly,and I especially don't take the lives I lost lightly either." Drake said. "That's why you need to let go...you don't need to continue torturing yourself anymore." Diantha asked. "Maybe." Drake said. "You were always the most positive of us both." Drake continued. "Please by what you told me about the last ten years. I thought you maybe the strongest one of us." Diantha said. "But you're one who shows courage,inspire hope,something that I could never do." Drake said. "I think that's the reason why you wear white all the time." He joked. "Ha,yea that's the reason." Diantha joked as well.
"So what will you do now." She asked. "I'm gonna go back to Shalour City. I done more then I bargain for today." Drake said. "You don't need a ride?" Diantha offered. "No I know how busy you are,plus you need to get checked." Drake declined. "Well...it was nice to see you again Mr. Ketchum. And...thanks for coming for me. I owe you one." Diantha said. "What are friends for Ms. Carnet,besides think of me as your Guardian Angel." Drake said while remembering all the time he rescued her when they were young. "And if you need to talk or something. Give me a call okay." She gave him a note with her Poké number on. "And if you need someone to talk to. Don't hesitate." Drake copied her actions and gave her his Poké number.
Drake bid farewell to the helicopter that was riding off,and now he was alone again. "Which reminds me." Drake then grabbed Lucario's Pokéball and released him. "What took you so long?" Lucario asked. "Sorry I was occupied." Drake said. "So guys,let's head back okay." The group cheered as they follow their trainer back to Shalour City. Drake internally sigh. Who knew how many dark times are coming. And what will they bring with them. All he knew was he had to keep soldiering on as the Journey continues.
Boom done. You know the term 'you surprised even yourself' that's how I feel as I didn't even know this chapter was this long. Plus remember when I said these chapters aren't what they seem anyone. This is what I mean,and all you guys' thoughts and views about Drake's character. Well...you may want to reevaluate since a lot of dark stuff came to surface and his past will continue to bite back.
Comment,and like. Tell me how I did for my first original,non-cannon chapter. And don't worry next chapter we head back to our regularly scheduled Summer Camp Arc. Stay tune. This is Paradox signing off.
